Consider the following statements: 1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature. 2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics. 3. Nanoparticles of same commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements: 1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature. 2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics. 3. Nanoparticles of same commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Correct Answer 2 and 3

The correct answer is 2 and 3.

Key Points

  • A nanoparticle is a small particle that ranges between 1 to 100 nanometres in size.
  • They could be generated by natural processes or could be made artificially and released into the environment. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
  • Because of their submicroscopic size, they have unique material characteristics, and manufactured nanoparticles may find practical applications in a variety of areas, including medicine, engineering, catalysis, and environmental remediation.
  • There are three major physical properties of nanoparticles
  1. They are highly mobile in the free state.
  2. They have enormous specific surface areas.
  3. They may exhibit quantum effects. Thus, nanoparticles have a vast range of compositions, depending on the use or the product.
  • Nanoparticles are formed through the breaking down of larger particles or by controlled assembly processes.
  • Nanoparticles are used in the manufacture of scratchproof eyeglasses, crack-resistant paints, anti-graffiti coatings for walls, transparent sunscreens, stain-repellent fabrics, self-cleaning windows, and ceramic coatings for solar cells.
  • Nanoparticles can also be used in stronger, lighter, cleaner, and “smarter” surfaces and systems.
  • Among metal and metal oxide nanoparticles potentially present in cosmetics, those containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are common ingredients added to obtain sufficient sun protection. The silver and gold nanoparticles are also added to increase the antimicrobial and healing properties of some cosmetic formulations. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The toxicity of nanoparticles depends on their chemical composition.
  • The properties of particles may change in unpredictable ways at nanoparticle form.
  • Impact of Nanoparticles:
    • They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
    • They can enter food chains.
    • They can trigger the production of free radicals.
    • Nanoparticles may cross cell membranes.
    • Nanoparticles can reach the blood and may reach other target sites such as the liver, heart, or blood cells and may cause damage to cells as they stay for a persistently long time. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Related Questions

Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Your answers to this item should be based on the passage only. Many farmers use synthetic pesticides to kill infesting insects. The consumption of pesticides in some of the developed countries is touching 3000 grams/hectare. Unfortunately, there are reports that these compounds possess inherent toxicities that endanger the health of the farm operators, consumers and the environment. Synthetic pesticides are generally persistent in environment. Entering in food chain they destroy the microbial diversity and cause ecological imbalance. Their indiscriminate use has resulted in development of resistance among insects to insecticides, upsetting of balance in nature and resources of treated populations. Natural pest control using the botanical pesticides is safer to the user and the environment because they break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight. Plants with pesticidal properties have been in nature for millions of years without any ill or adverse effects on the ecosystem. They are easily decomposed by many microbes common in most soils. They help in the maintenance of biological diversity of predators and human health hazards. Botanical pesticides formulated from plants are biodegradable and their use in crop protection is a practical sustainable alternative. On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modern agriculture. 2. One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure minimal ecological imbalance. 3. Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to synthetic pesticides. Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?
Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Your answers to this item should be based on the passage only. Many farmers use synthetic pesticides to kill infesting insects. The consumption of pesticides in some of the developed countries is touching 3000 grams/hectare. Unfortunately, there are reports that these compounds possess inherent toxicities that endanger the health of the farm operators, consumers and the environment. Synthetic pesticides are generally persistent in environment. Entering in food chain they destroy the microbial diversity and cause ecological imbalance. Their indiscriminate use has resulted in development of resistance among insects to insecticides, upsetting of balance in nature and resources of treated populations. Natural pest control using the botanical pesticides is safer to the user and the environment because they break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight. Plants with pesticidal properties have been in nature for millions of years without any ill or adverse effects on the ecosystem. They are easily decomposed by many microbes common in most soils. They help in the maintenance of biological diversity of predators and human health hazards. Botanical pesticides formulated from plants are biodegradable and their use in crop protection is a practical sustainable alternative. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding biopesticides? 1. They are not hazardous to human health. 2. They are persistent in environment. 3. They are essential to maintain the biodiversity of any ecosystem. Select the correct answer using the code given below.